A FAMOUS seal that has made many visits to River Blackwater and Mersea Jetty has recently been spotted again.

The suspected harbour seal, nicknamed Sammy, has been seen many times along the river and jetty, and was seen again in the River Blackwater near Fullbridge.

The coasts of the Maldon District further down south are known for accommodating many grey seals as well as the common harbour breeds, and although they will come further inland to feed, they breed further out to sea.

Sammy has been known to appear in the Jetty and along the river because he is attracted to the scraps of bacon used by people crab fishing along the shore.

Sarah Allison, Living Seas Co-ordinator for the Essex Wildlife Trust, has been monitoring Sammy’s appearances for quite some time, and claims he has become a very famous face.

She said: “He’s become a kind of local celebrity with his regular jetty and river appearances, a lot of people who visit there recognise him.

“Some seals often come into the area to feed in the shallower waters, mainly of scraps of food used for crabbing and occasionally fish too.

“While they feed here they don’t breed when coming further inland as the environment isn’t totally suitable for the pups.”

Seals visiting the local rivers and jetties do not pose any environmental harm to the area, and Sarah believe they have a positive impact on people’s experience with the species.

She added: “They don’t pose any kind of threat to the area, and everyone who knows about Sammy always really like to see him.

“It’s great that he has the confidence to come around to the area, and it allows people to get up close and personal with him to feed him without causing any real harm.”